The Glendale Library’s summer reading program kicks off June 1, and that includes the addition of special programming.

This will include a week devoted the African Music and Arts Village, and events around town at the main, Velma Teague, Foothills, and Heroes Regional Park libraries. Hosting the workshops will be South African native Baba Shibambo, a master hand drummer, an international touring performer and recording artist.

He is a multi-instrumentalist playing percussion, African djembe, uudu, conga, marimba, mbira (kalimba or finger piano), and even the haunting Bushman's bow.

His "Safari Rhythm of Culture in the Classrooms" project has been successful in a variety of educational settings.

SCHEDULE:

6:30-7:30 p.m. Monday June 5

African Music and Arts Village Opening Concert

In the main library auditorium. South African musician Baba Shibambo will introduce the music of traditional African instruments including djembes, dun duns, handmade wooden marimbas, shakers, bushman bow, kalimbas and others. He will include storytelling and an interactive song and dance component. Be sure to register for an interactive workshop later in the week and participate in the finale concert on Sunday, June 11.

10-11 a.m. Tuesday, June 6

African Music and Arts Village: Teen/Adult Workshop

In the main library’s large meeting room. Shibambo will demonstrate how to build and tune a djembe drum. Try your hand at playing multiple indigenous instruments, including djembes, marimbas, and shakers, then work with him as he orchestrates a multi-instrument musical piece, accompanied by volunteer dancers.

2-3 p.m. Tuesday, June 6

African Music and Arts Village: Youth/Caregiver Workshop

In the main library’s large meeting room. Open to children under the age of 12 and their caregivers.

On Wednesday, June 7, the same programs – for teens/adults and for youth/caregivers – will move to the Velma Teague Library. Teens/adults workshop goes from 11 a.m. to noon, followed by the program for youth and their caregivers 1-2 p.m.

On Thursday, June 8, the same programs – for teens/adults and for youth/caregivers – will move to the Foothills Library. Teens/adults workshop goes from 2 to 3 p.m., followed by the program for youth and their caregivers 4-5 p.m.

On Saturday, June 10, the same programs – for teens/adults and for youth/caregivers – will move to the Heroes Regional Park Library. Teens/adults workshop goes from 10 to 11 a.m., followed by the program for youth and their caregivers noon-1 p.m.

2-3 p.m. Sunday, June 11

African Music and Arts Village Finale Concert

In the main library. This performance, given to all members of the community, will include a wide variety of music, dance and stories orchestrated and choreographed by Shibambo. It incorporates performances by participants of interactive artistry workshops offered earlier in the week.

This concert is funded by a city of Glendale Performing Arts Grant.